Outdoor Breastfeeding Photography by Jessica Michelle Photo

We are so excited to celebrate World breastfeeding week with our readers this year and we couldn’t think of a better way to begin than with this gorgeous breastfeeding session from our Bump Society Member Jessica Michelle Photo based out of New York.

Tell us a bit about yourself!
The obvious…My name is Samantha and I’m 31 years old. I am a dental hygienist in Marin county, working full time Mon-Thurs. I grew up in the Bay Area and love it here. We love to go hiking, play at the beach, and do yoga.How did you make the choice to breastfeed?
I always knew that I would want that natural bond with my baby. It wasn’t a question for me.Do you breastfeed exclusively?
I breastfed exclusively for 6 months. I would pump 4-5 times a day at work, in between patients, to make that happen. After 6 months I introduced solids as well. At about 10 months I would have to supplement 3-4 ounces a day with formula. I am still breastfeeding in the morning, and sometimes at night, and my baby is now 17 months.What have been unexpected challenges and triumphs breastfeeding your daughter/son?
Pumping enough to have the amount she needed for the next day. Sometimes it was very stressful and I would want to give up, or think that I would fail. The feeling of hitting that 6 month mark, knowing she has stayed alive and healthy from my breast milk alone made me feel powerful, strong, and proud of myself.

What supports have you found helpful along the journey?
I was apart of a great group of lactation consultants and other mommies on Facebook! Without them, I probably would not have made it this far.

What advice do you have for new parents regarding breastfeeding?
Seek out professional help and do your research. Lactation consults and groups are great and I strongly recommend them. Seeking support from your partner or loved ones is also important. It’s a big job, and certain stages have different challenges. It wasn’t easy and I even had to overcome a biting stage. With the research and knowledge from reliable websites and lactation consults and nurses, we were able to overcome them all. Keep in mind if this is something important to you, you can do it!

What are your favorite breastfeeding products and resources?
I couldn’t have lived without the hands free pumping bra! I also loved the Aden+Anais burp cloth and bibs.
My favorite website was Kellymom for reliable help info.

*** Jessica Michelle Photography is a member of The Bump Society, an elite community of motherhood businesses chosen by the editors of Beauty & Lifestyle Mommy Magazine***

Hi, y’all! I’m Faythe. I’m Alex and Karson's mommy, a blessed wife, a dreamer, and a believer in the "miracles” I am the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Beauty & Lifestyle Mommy — a magazine that I birthed and created from the ground up. I am passionate about faith, treasuring time with my little family on the weekends, and saying YES to the impossible, taking a leap of faith. I love the women I work alongside each day, addicted to hot chai lattes, building sand castles, the smell of the ocean, exploring new flavors in the kitchen, and living in historic St. Marys, Georgia. Yes, I am a proud Georgia Peach! Website: http://www.blmommy.com